Among other Europa League football news, Group E, F, G, and H also played two matches each, which we’re reporting!
West Ham earned a deserved 2-0 win over Rapid Wien at the London Stadium, just as we predicted they would. This was their second consecutive victory in the Europa League, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Said Benrahma.
The Hammers were never at their best in cagey affairs in east London. But David Moyes’ side always seemed to have more in the tank if they needed to turn on the style.
Europa League Football News – Group E, F, G, and H
In West Ham-Rapid Vienna, Declan Rice hit the post with a glancing header. This was after a devilish delivery into the box from Aaron Cresswell in a quiet first half.
Yet, chances came few and far between.
Then, just before the half-hour mark, Rice tucked away and scored from close range after an incisive run from midfield.
Michail Antonio was in space after Andriy Yarmolenko’s delicate ball found him. And his square ball across the penalty area picked out the advancing Englishman.
Rice’s goal demonstrated his ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder, and he frequently ran forward with the ball. This may be because he knew that Mark Noble was willing to tuck in and protect the back four.
West Ham had some other chances to score, with Craig Dawson heading against the post in the first half. And Jarrod Bowen blazed over late, after rounding Rapid’s goalkeeper. Finally, Benrahma sealed the win with a cool finish late on.
VAR also overturned a penalty awarded to Ben Johnson. The replays were clearly demonstrating that the young defender had made no contact with Marco Grull.
The Results:
Group E:
Lazio – Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0
Marseille – Galatasaray 0-0
Group F:
Ludogorets – Red Star 0-1
Braga – Midtjylland 3-1
Group G:
Celtic – Bayer Leverkusen 0-4
Ferencvaros – Betis 1-3
Group H:
KRC Genk – Dinamo Zagreb 0-3 (0: 2)
West Ham – Rapid 2-0
